Arch supporter



Aug. 3 1926. 1,594,681

0. P. MAYHALL ARCH SUPPORTER Filed August 18, 1925 0. 2 MW w,

LTHumu Patented- Aug. 3,1926.

UNITED STATES Anon surronrna.

. Application filed August 18, 1925. Serial No. 51,026.

This invention relates to an improved arch supporter, and it has for its principal obv ject to generally improve upon inventions of this class by providing one of compara- 5 tive simplicity and durability, which is such inconstruction as to render it highly efficient in use, and inexpensive to both the manufacturer and the user.

One feature of the invention is a flexible 0 support which exerts an upward pressure against the bones of the foot at all times, and yields when pressure is applied thereto by the foot, and returns promptly to it's normal positioneach time the pressure is relieved, thus allowing the bones to have their natural movements and articulation. arrangement also permits the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to be properly supported, and yet have natural unrestrained'action.

2 Other-features and advantages accompany the invention, and these will become apparent from the following description and drawing.

Inthe accompanying drawing forming a partof this specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

' The figure is a perspective of an arch supporter constructed in accordance with the invention, a portion being broken .away, and shown in section to disclose the construction .more plainly.

Referring to the drawing in detail the reference characters 1 and 2 designate a'pair These plates are arranged one on top of the other, and the lower one 2 is preferably a little longer, and extends beyond-the forward end of. the top plate. These superposed relatively slidable-resilient plates are curvilinearly shaped to conform to the longitudinal arch of the foot, and are confined between two plies of leather 3. These pieces of leather, or other equivalent material, are

stitched together around their marginal edges as indicated at 4:, and are shapedto fit nicely in a shoe of a given size, and shape. In addition, the two plies of leather are stitched together as at 5 around the two strips of metal to form a retainingpocket for the latter. The pocket is open at its front however, and this allows free relative movement of the two metal plates or strips.

Attention is directed to the fact ,thatwhile the structure is elevated on one side to conform to the inner longitudinal arch of the This of substantially duplicate metal plates. 4

ing action which ordinarily results from such flanges. The spring steel used in this construction PATENT OFFICE.

'foot, the usual flange found on most market-2 is of the highest quality tempered steel,

and is made to conform. with the shape of the normal arch of a foot. This spring steel arch supporter, consisting of a pair of relatively movable plates is sufiicient ly strong to hold up the outer longitudinal arch of the foot, which is ordinarily .the first part to fall. I I

It should be noted that the steel plates are properly encased in the leather'casing, and

that thereare no holes or notches in these plates-to weaken them. Consequently, they have maximum stren h and allow the foot to move normally... 'distinctadvantage is thatthe. support does not have any metal parts coming into contact with the shoe to cause unnecessary wear, or with the sock or sole ,of-the foot, all of which would be objectionable. The well stitched leather casing is exceptionally strongand is not liable to become disrupted. These and other ad-- vantages and features of the invention have doubtless been made apparent by the fore going descrlp'tion and drawin s. Therefore,

- a more lengthy description oi the invent-ion is thought-to=be unnecessary. 1

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, if such changes come within the scope of the'invention-hereinafter claimed."

Having thus described the what I claim as new is 1. An arch supporter comprising curviinvention,

linear and resilient metal plates superposed one'upon the other and-freely movable end- Wise each. with respect to the other, and means encasing said plates and having an opening whereby interference with play of the plates each with respect to the other is' averted.

2'. An arch supporter comprising a pair of. substantially -duplicate.curvilinear and resilient metal plates arranged in superposed relation, and reely movable endwise each with respect to the other, a casin for said -plate,"sa1d casini being made up 0 two plies of leather stitc ed together around their marginal edges and stitched inward of said edges around said plates to provide anopen end pocket for retaining said plates, said plates and casing being shaped to conform to the bottom of the foot to be supported.

3. An arch supporter comprising cu'rvi-- linear and resilient metal plates superposed one upon the other and freely movable endwise each with respect to the other, and

lo means encasing said plates and having an opening whereby interference with play of .the plates each with respect to the other is averted; the said encasing means having a pocket of slightly greater width than the plates and adapted to-guide the plates in engwise movement thereof and open at one en In testimony whereof I afiix my signature:

CHARLES P. MAYHALL 

